Characteristics:

A. rosea forms 3-6 mm thick sheets with small, pointed "spines". It has only a few oscules - openings, 1-3 mm in diameter. The origin of its name is obviously the brick red or deep red color. The sponge is soft and compressible. Structurally the sponge is very similar to A. sulfurea, but the two color morphs are regarded as different species. There are some debate on this subject among the experts, though.

Habitat:

This sponge is registered from on all depths from below the tidal zone to 640 meters. It is usually found on rocky substrate, on locations with little natural light.

Distribution:

It is well known in most parts of the Atlantic Ocean, including the entire coast of Norway.